The British fighter is set to put his IBF title on the line while the WBA and WBO belts Tyson Fury recently relinquished could also be part of the package.

Klitschko's nine-year reign as champion was brought to an end by Fury in November 2015 but the 40-year-old represents a dangerous opponent for Joshua and promoter Hearn is excited by the prospect of seeing the pair go toe-to-toe.

"Terms are virtually there between the two now, there are plenty of things that have got to fall into place.

"I don’t think it is the right fight for Anthony Joshua. But isn’t that what’s exciting about it?” he told BBC Radio Five Live.

“You can’t really win as a promoter because on the one hand people are saying ‘oh you’re putting him into too easy fights’ and then you put him in a fight where people say ‘oh that’s a bit early for him isn’t it?’.